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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 2 Dec 1987

Vol. 376 No. 2

Written Answers. - Immigration Regulations.

32.

asked the Minister for Justice if he has satisfied himself with the administration of immigration regulations at Shannon Airport, County Clare in view of recent developments concerning the barring from entry to this country of a Sikh from Delhi and two Iranians, one of whom claimed that his wife had previously been granted asylum; if he has satisfied himself that relatives can get all necessary information especially at weekends; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The Deputy is referring to two separate incidents which occurred at Shannon Airport recently.

On Thursday, 19 November 1987 two Iranians, a male and female, requested political asylum at Shannon, after they failed to rejoin a flight en route from Moscow to Cuba. The applicants were interviewed by immigration officers. Their cases were considered by my Department by reference to the United Nations 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. The representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the Department of Foreign Affairs were consulted. Following consideration of their cases, it was decided that they did not qualify for asylum under the Convention and Protocol.

My decision to refuse both applicants asylum was conveyed to them by immigration officers and they departed Shannon for Beirut via Brussels and Moscow on 21 November 1987. Incidentally, the Iranian passenger is incorrect in stating that his wife was granted asylum here. She did not qualify for asylum but was allowed stay here on humanitarian grounds. Her permission to stay in the State has since been withdrawn in the light of additional information which has come to my attention.

At 12.50 a.m. on 21 November, 1987 an Indian passenger arrived at Shannon on a flight from Delhi via Moscow. He sought leave to enter the State for study purposes. He was interviewed by immigration officers. As a result of the information obtained by them during the course of their inquiries, it was decided to refuse the passenger leave to land under the provisions of the Aliens (Amendment) Order, 1975. He was handed the refusal notice indicating the reasons he was refused leave to land. He was also allowed talk to a person claiming to be a relative for about half an hour. The passenger departed Shannon for Delhi at 1.50 p.m. on 21 November 1987.

I am satisfied that the three persons referred to by the Deputy had their cases fully examined and were dealt with in accordance with law and the correct procedures. I am also satisfied that relatives of passengers refused leave to land at Shannon Airport can get all appropriate information at all times, including weekends.

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